SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Junior running back Jeremiyah Love has achieved a significant milestone by being named the recipient of the 2025 Disney Spirit Award, recognizing him as one of college football’s most inspirational figures.
In a historic accomplishment, Love becomes the first player from Notre Dame to receive this prestigious award. His remarkable performance on the field has not only made him a contender for various accolades, including the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and the Doak Walker Award, but also established him as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for many.
Beyond his impressive statistics and achievements, Love strives to empower others by encouraging them to embrace their true selves. He emphasizes the importance of individuality and authenticity, urging people to pursue their unique identities without hesitation. This outlook stems from the confidence instilled in him by his family from a young age.
Growing up, Love’s adventurous spirit led him to tackle challenges head-on. His parents, recognizing his specific needs and desires, sought guidance from his doctor. They were advised that while Love exhibited traits that placed him “on the spectrum,” the focus should remain on supporting him in remaining true to himself rather than attempting to alter his character.
This supportive approach has allowed Love to flourish, finding success both on and off the field. Since the airing of his story on ESPN College Gameday, he has received an outpouring of messages from those he has inspired, encouraging them to embrace their own identities.
Love’s dedication to his community is evident through various initiatives. This past summer, he organized a football camp for over 200 local children in South Bend, demonstrating his commitment to mentorship and connection with young fans. Additionally, he hosted a financial literacy workshop for high school students, showcasing his desire to equip others with essential life skills.
In another creative endeavor, Love developed a comic book titled Jeremonstar, which reflects his personality and passion for storytelling while conveying messages of perseverance and accepting one’s individuality.
On the field, Love’s season has been nothing short of phenomenal. With a total of 1,372 rushing yards on 199 attempts, along with 18 rushing touchdowns, he has solidified his spot among the elite in college football. His contributions extend beyond rushing alone, as he also recorded 27 receptions for 280 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Remarkably, he achieved these statistics while sharing a backfield with fellow running back Jadarian Price, who also had an impressive season.
Love stands out as the only player among six in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) who rushed for over 1,300 yards this season while sharing his backfield with another running back who surpassed 600 rushing yards.
As the regular season concluded, Love maintained impressive national rankings, sitting second in scoring with an average of 10.5 points per game, second in total touchdowns with 21, and fourth in rushing yards, averaging 114.3 yards per game.
The Disney Spirit Award has been awarded to individuals and teams embodying resilience, positivity, and selflessness since its inception in 1996. Love’s recognition as the 2025 recipient underscores not only his exceptional talent but also his inspiring journey and commitment to making a positive impact on those around him.
